"This is the Mayor of Union. I would like to announce that after 12 years as Mayor, I will not seek re-election this fall. I have always considered this to be temporary service to my community. I am sad to leave, but proud of Union and its residents. Thank you for allowing me to serve you!"

Kirby was first elected a Union commissioner in 2000. He was elected mayor in 2002, 2006 and 2010.

President and owner of DGKirby Consulting Inc., an SAP software consulting firm, Kirby is a University of Kentucky graduate.

He and his wife, Martha, have three children. They've lived in Union since 1994.

During Kirby's term the city has undergone steep population growth. According to the U.S. census, the city had 2,893 residents in 2000. The 2010 census showed Union had 5,379 residents, an 86 percent increase.